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About Us

About Tail Finn.

Tail finn is a collaboration of artists, photographers, running coaches, bull riders, and fish hippies. Our first and foremost objective is to protect the dynamic, but fragile aquatic ecosystems here in the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota. Through education by participation in fair chase, catch and release fly fishing we hope to be good examples of our motto “Leave it nicer than you found it”.

The Black Hills of South Dakota is strong medicine, and our team of professional guides will work hard to show you some of its hidden gems. Anglers of all abilities, no matter gender, or age are welcome to fish with us. Our seasoned group of guides want you to have fun, catch fish, and hopefully learn a thing or two about the sport we so dearly love.

Come explore with us. Come share in the joy that only a fly rod can provide. Above all else come see the Black Hills in a way you’ve never known possible! If you like good vibes, scenic views, and hungry fish… Book your fly fishing adventure with us today! We’ll see you upstream.

Until then.. Good Fishin,

Tail Finn.

Owner/Operator "Pistol" Pete Nielson

"Pistol" Pete Nielson

Fly fishing stopped being a hobby, and became a lifestyle for Pete Nielson and his family years ago. Owner/Operator of Tail Finn & Finn Provisions, Pete Nielson has had the joy and privilege of fly fishing, and teaching the sport of fly fishing for over 30 years. A consummate angler, wandering dreamer, fisheries advocate, and downright fun loving fish hippie are just a few of the labels Pete wears.

It’s no secret Pete loves to fish. That’s why he has dedicated his life to the promotion of Fly fishing here at home, and abroad. A firm supporter of women, children, and the disabled sharing in the sport… Pete knows the world would be a better place if more people fly fished. Come along and spend the day fishing with Pistol Pete.. he’d love to share a little of what he knows, and a lot about what he loves!

Guide "Noodles" Isaac Pattison

"Noodles" Isaac Pattison

Isaac’s love for fly fishing began with chasing rainbow trout in the San Bernardino Mountains of California.  After exploring various waters while serving abroad in the US Marine Corps, Isaac and his wife settled here in the Black Hills.  Counting himself blessed to experience the true magic of the Black Hills, Isaac knows the very best way to enjoy South Dakota is knee deep in a local trout stream.

Guide "Coach" Seth Mischke

"Coach" Seth Mischke

Seth is the Head Track and Field/Assistant Cross Country Coach at Black Hills State University. With over 25 years coaching experience Seth is comfortable with teaching people new techniques, or building upon what they already know. A Wyoming boy since childhood.. Seth is no stranger to big fish, and good fly fishing.  

Seth and his family have called Spearfish South Dakota home for the last 11 years. He holds the opinion that the Black Hills and its technical fishery have forced him to become a better angler. A veteran Spearfish Guide for the last few years.. Seth would like to invite you to learn, laugh, and chase fish with him soon!

Guide "Cowboy" Tyson Donovan

"Cowboy" Tyson Donovan

A retired rodeo cowboy, Tyson and his family count themselves blessed to call the Black Hills of South Dakota home. Whether it’s hiking, fishing, skiing, or snowboarding the Donovan’s make their best memories outside here in the beautiful Black Hills.

Fly fishing is a passion fueled by joy, science, and art to Tyson. Nailing a cast, or perfecting a drift are great accomplishments no doubt, but Tyson believes it all pales in comparison to God’s beautiful creation and our ability to call this our office. A fun loving and down to Earth guy… the cowboy would like to experience and grow alongside you.. and catch a few fish along the way!

"Pistol" Pete Nielson

Fly fishing stopped being a hobby, and became a lifestyle for Pete Nielson and his family years ago. Owner/Operator of Tail Finn & Finn Provisions, Pete Nielson has had the joy and privilege of fly fishing, and teaching the sport of fly fishing for over 30 years. A consummate angler, wandering dreamer, fisheries advocate, and downright fun loving fish hippie are just a few of the labels Pete wears.

It’s no secret Pete loves to fish. That’s why he has dedicated his life to the promotion of Fly fishing here at home, and abroad. A firm supporter of women, children, and the disabled sharing in the sport… Pete knows the world would be a better place if more people fly fished. Come along and spend the day fishing with Pistol Pete.. he’d love to share a little of what he knows, and a lot about what he loves!

"Noodles" Isaac Pattison

Isaac’s love for fly fishing began with chasing rainbow trout in the San Bernardino Mountains of California.  After exploring various waters while serving abroad in the US Marine Corps, Isaac and his wife settled here in the Black Hills.  Counting himself blessed to experience the true magic of the Black Hills, Isaac knows the very best way to enjoy South Dakota is knee deep in a local trout stream.

"Coach" Seth Mischke

Seth is the Head Track and Field/Assistant Cross Country Coach at Black Hills State University. With over 25 years coaching experience Seth is comfortable with teaching people new techniques, or building upon what they already know. A Wyoming boy since childhood.. Seth is no stranger to big fish, and good fly fishing.  

Seth and his family have called Spearfish South Dakota home for the last 11 years. He holds the opinion that the Black Hills and its technical fishery have forced him to become a better angler. A veteran Spearfish Guide for the last few years.. Seth would like to invite you to learn, laugh, and chase fish with him soon!

"Cowboy" Tyson Donovan

A retired rodeo cowboy, Tyson and his family count themselves blessed to call the Black Hills of South Dakota home. Whether it’s hiking, fishing, skiing, or snowboarding the Donovan’s make their best memories outside here in the beautiful Black Hills.

Fly fishing is a passion fueled by joy, science, and art to Tyson. Nailing a cast, or perfecting a drift are great accomplishments no doubt, but Tyson believes it all pales in comparison to God’s beautiful creation and our ability to call this our office. A fun loving and down to Earth guy… the cowboy would like to experience and grow alongside you.. and catch a few fish along the way!

Check out our 5-star reviews

Bradley Kastner
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Hands-down one of the best fish guide experiences I’ve ever had in my life. Tyson Donovan is an enthusiastic local thats super knowledgeable, wise beyond his years, and patient enough to care take your elderly grandmother! Love this kid.
Kyle Aspaas
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Had a great time fly fishing with my son! Our guide - ‘Pistol Pete’ showed us a great time. Definitely doing this again. The store is worth a visit for camping, hiking and fishing supplies.
Thomas Collins
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Had a great full day trip with Pete..not only did we catch fish but I was rewarded with a unique educational experience regarding "reading the stream " ... insect and fly identification and the subtle nuances of the use of the fly rod..
Kevin Frye
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Pete was our guide today and someone who is very committed to his craft. We being first time fly anglers were impressed with his love and passion for the skill of his trade. He had a calming way of instructing the art of fly fishing. We would recommend Pete and hope to come back for another visit with our grandchildren. You will catch fish with Pete!
Emily Fisher
Local Guide
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Tyson was my fishing guide and went above and beyond to teach me and make sure I had an amazing experience. They supplied all equipment and was generous enough to mention cool fishing spots I could go to over the next few days that I was there. I had a wonderful time and everyone was such a professional! And super supportive of a learning fly fisherman. Thank you for making my trip to Spearfish so memorable!
Rick V
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Recently did a guide trip with Tyson and had a great time. He was very knowledgeable and took me to a great stream. The views were spectacular and the fishing even better. Would highly recommend!
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